2018 Marks Bicentennial of Society of Sacred Heart in America

The bicentennial of Saint Philippine Duchesne’s arrival in America provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the Sacred Heart mission and vision, the Society’s ongoing legacy at Maryville, and the dedicated commitment of our alumnae as we support the activities and remembrances in honor of the Sacred Heart’s remarkable history of “crossing frontiers.”

Maryville University is honored to be an integral part of the celebrations and to provide the underwriting for the publication of “200 Years: A Legacy of Love and Learning”, a history of the first Sacred Heart foundation in America, researched and written by Maryville University alumna Jane Shannon Cannon, Class of 1957.

In 1818, Saint Philippine arrived and began her missionary venture in America, signifying 200 years of Sacred Heart education in America, 200 years of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, and 200 years of the Society of the Sacred Heart’s internationality.

Learn more about the Sacred Heart legacy by attending the “Philippine Duchesne Bicentennial Sacred Heart Spirituality Speakers’ Series,” sponsored by Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School. The series will explore aspects of St. Philippine Duchesne’s life to enhance understanding about the Society of the Sacred Heart founder.

Calendar of Events

All presentations will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Global Education Center and Parlor Dining Room at Villa Duchesne. The events are free and open to the public.

FRIDAY, NOV. 3 – Frances Gimber, RSCJ: Companions in Mission

Sr. Gimber will present the story of the first religious of the Sacred Heart who came with St. Philippine Duchesne to North America: Éugenie Audé, Octavie Berthold, Marguerite Manteau and Catherine Lamarre.

Sr. Osiek’s presentation will be a new look at St. Philippine Duchesne through some of her own as yet largely unpublished writings, to see more deeply into her joys, sorrows, challenges, and hopes which still impact us today.

FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2018 – Margaret Munch, RSCJ: An Overview of the Mission of the Society of the Sacred Heart to the Potawatomi in eastern Kansas from 1841-1879

In addition to St. Philippine Duchesne’s time with the Potawatomi at Sugar Creek, Sr. Munch’s talk will explore how the Society began the mission in 1841, some highlights of the Society’s years there, and the circumstances of the termination of the mission in Kansas in 1879.